POST MATCH | Warne delight at late victory

Championship football returned to AESSEAL New York Stadium in dramatic fashion as Michael Smith’s 90th-minute goal secured all three points for Paul Warne’s men.

Having chased the game in the first-half, a late free-kick presented Smith with the chance to hook home from six yards and send the Millers fans wild.

“We needed a performance for the crowd to be proud of their team,” said Warne. “We were dogged at times. I thought Ipswich were excellent, first-half. They caused no end of problems. I harp on about it but I’ve got a good set of human beings and they kept together and fought for each other.

“At times, especially first-half they were hanging in. We changed the shape at half-time. I thought we were a lot better second-half and really pleased when the goal went in late on. It’s always nice.”

The Millers manager conceded that a point would have been a good result against the Tractor Boys, especially after last week’s defeat at Brentford.

“I thought a point, for a competitive game, I would have taken a point,” he continued. “You don’t want to lose your first home game. We’ve always got a chance to score, the way we play. Our strikers worked tirelessly today and there’s always a chance. Luckily it fell to the right person at the right time.

“There are going to be games this year where we have to dig in and try and stay in the game. We always harp on to the lads that everything matters and it did.

“I’m really pleased. It’s nice to get a win at home, especially.”

Although Michael Smith grabbed the headlines, his strike partner Kyle Vassell picked up the Man of the Match award after a tireless display on his home debut.

“He (Michael Smith) deserved his goal for his work-rate which was phenomenal, as was Vassell’s and Semi’s,” continued Warne. “There’s a lot of winners from our team today. After the defeat last week, as comprehensive as it was, I think a lot of people wanted us to make loads of changes. We didn’t and I stuck with the group.

“I said it’s another chance to prove that you can compete at this level. We had a couple of double sessions this week going through stuff. The lads didn’t complain, they’re a great group and a jo to work with. In the changing room everyone’s happy.

“Every point’s crucial. Three years ago we were 2-0 up at home to Wolves and it ended up being a draw.

“We’ll play better but we were resilient. We’ve got a good group and we’ll enjoy the wins when we get them.”